Season Programme | Sep — Dec 2016
Welcome to St George’s…
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n 18 October 1986 we held our first public evening concert. 30 years on, we’re going from strength to strength, promoting a wider range of music and spoken word events than ever before. Given that 30 is now the new 21, we’ve invited the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment back for a special birthday celebration — and audiences can get into the party swing by voting for the encore!
The OAE encapsulates all that is great about St George’s: a world leading, ground breaking orchestra whose players have built up close bonds with Bristol audiences. It sets the pace and the bar in terms of exhilarating performances, handing over the baton to countless worldclass soloists and groups who follow suit with concerts that make audiences catch their breath and bring them to the edge of their seats. This season is as eclectic as ever, crossing continents and centuries to bring you inventive, perfectly formed offerings of jazz, folk, world and contemporary classical. We’re big on fusions of words and music too, with music-edged plays that reveal the hidden worlds of Satie, Rachmaninov and the passions simmering beneath Tolstoy’s Kreutzer Sonata.
Music that has laid undiscovered for hundreds of years comes up for air alongside the latest compositions by young composers from around the South West and two special premieres of Art of Flight commissions by Graham Fitkin and Liz Lane. We’re Puttin’ on the Ritz with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra and going Back to the Roots with a new folk series before winding our way towards the year-end with an uplifting trail of festive fiestas. Running alongside the music is our capital project ‘Building a Sound Future’. By the time you read this, spades will be in the ground and the foundations of the new extension in place to transform your experience of St George’s. We still need support to reach our fundraising target, so if you think you can help us to transform St George’s, please get in touch. Suzanne Rolt CHIEF EXECUTIVE
buildingasoundfuture.co.uk
Contents
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ur brochure has been given a fresh look and you'll see we have divided our programme, beginning with Classical and moving onto Contemporary and then Family Events.
p.4
p.22 CLASSICAL
p.23 p.37 CONTEMPORARY p.38 p.39 FAMILY EVENTS p.40 p.43 VENUE INFORMATION p.44
CALENDAR
Don’t miss… BACK TO THE ROOTS Our new series looks at the past, present and future of folk music, taking the opportunity of a 50th anniversary memorial concert for Clifton’s legendary Troubadour club to shine a light on what has always been a very important part of St George’s programme. As well as the local favourites and surprise guests of the Troubador show, there are dates for new folk troubadour Sam Lee, Irish singer Heidi Talbot and her all-star band, rising stars Megson, the duo of writer George Monbiot and singer Ewan McLennan, plus the return of punk-folkers Lynched and an intimate solo show by the daddy of them all, Loudon Wainwright III.
THE ART OF FLIGHT Our celebration of fugue and flight continues this season with must-see concerts by Brodsky Quartet (p.6), Exultate Singers (p.8) and a whole weekend of music and special events in November (p.16/17), including world premieres of specially commissioned music. Also in November we play host to a fantastic exhibition of aviation art by the acclaimed artist David Bent in the crypt. Discover David’s work at davidbentstudio.com.
CLASSICAL
ENGLISH NATIONAL BAROQUE ENSEMBLE Nicholas Whiting violin & leader Imogen Triner oboe Richard Crabtree viola Michael Mace cello Robyn Austin cello Boyce Concerto Grosso Zelenka Concerto for Oboe and Violin Marcello Concerto Handel Concerto Grosso Dittesdorf Concerto for Viola J S Bach Concerto for Oboe and Violin in D minor The English National Baroque Ensemble features players from BBC NOW, The London Philharmonic, BBC Symphony and English Chamber Orchestra. It returns to St George’s for its annual concert of the great concertos of the golden age of Baroque. This engaging ensemble has developed its own distinct character, style and sound over the past decade, establishing itself as a firm favourite on the UK circuit. This concert is in support of the Elephant Family Charity and The Royal Air Forces Association.
Saturday 3 September 7.30pm Tickets £15 (£12) (plus fees)
Earlybird OΩer Save £3 on top price tickets when booking by 31 July
TRILOGY Featuring music by: Vivaldi, Glenn Miller, Saint-Saëns, Brahms, Morricone & Daft Punk Formed by three international competitionwinning classical violin soloists — Yossif Ivanov, Lorenzo Gatto and Hrachya Avanesyan — Trilogy puts the excitement back into classical music with thrilling and unique arrangements of classical repertoire, popular songs, jazz and film music in an authentic concert experience. Already performing across Europe to audiences of over 8,000, the trio became an overnight sensation after its ‘Pulp Fiction’ video went viral. 70 minutes without interval
Thursday 8 September 8.30pm Tickets £15, £10, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
YOUNG COMPOSERS' ACADEMY SHOWCASE CONCERT Bristol Ensemble This is the first concert from the Young Composers’ Academy, a joint venture between St George’s and New Music in the South West (NMSW), providing composers aged 16 to 19 with a programme of workshops, individual tuition, composer master classes and commissions. The event begins with a full day’s composition workshop with members of the Bristol Ensemble. This gives the young composers the opportunity to rehearse their pieces under the guidance of professional composers before being performed at a public concert in the evening. This promises to be a genuinely exciting and inspiring occasion.
FROM DARKNESS INTO LIGHT Kokoro Ensemble Programme to include: Graham Fitkin Totti Henry Cowell The Banshee Michael Torke Telephone Book alongside new works specially commissioned by New Music in the South West and shortlisted pieces from the NMSW Young Composers’ Prize 2016 Recent classics and special commissions take us on a dramatic journey from forbidding, shadowy darkness to joyous, uplifting light! Devised and promoted by NMSW, and expertly performed by Kokoro, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's brilliant contemporary music ensemble. Audience members are also invited to join an informal ‘meet the composers’ session in the crypt.
RICHARD BOOTHBY ‘TELEMANN’S FANTASIES’ It’s not often that 12 works previously unknown by a major composer just turn up. Yet that is precisely what has happened with these solo Fantasies by Telemann. He wrote and published sets of 12 sonatas for solo violin, flute, harpsichord and viola da gamba, issued in monthly format, as was usual at the time. Those for violin, flute and harpsichord all survive in several copies, but those for the viol were thought lost. In 2014 these extraordinarily precious works were rediscovered and tonight virtuoso viol player Richard Boothby gives one of the first performances of the complete set. 70 minutes without interval
nmsw.org.uk
Earlybird OΩer Save £3 on top price tickets when booking by 31 July Sunday 11 September 7.30pm Tickets £8, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
Sunday 18 September 6pm Tickets £12 (£8) (plus fees)
Tuesday 20 September 8.30pm Tickets £15, £10, £5 Students/ U18s (plus fees)
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September / October
Pre-concert Talk ‘The Art of Fugue in 50 mins’ with Jonathan James. Tickets £5 (plus fees), Free to concert ticket holders
BRODSKY QUARTET GRAND FUGUES J S Bach The Art of Fugue Mozart Adagio & Fugue in C minor Zemlinsky String Quartet No 4 Mendelssohn Fugue in E flat Op 81 Beethoven Grosse Fuge Op 133 Our ‘Art of Flight’ series continues with a visit from the charismatic Brodsky Quartet, performing a heady selection of some of the greatest fugal works, arranged for string quartet. Bookending the programme, which features Mozart, Mendelssohn and Zemlinksy, are Bach’s labyrinthine The Art of Fugue and Beethoven’s mighty Grosse Fuge. Experience these masterful works in a new light as the Brodsky Quartet works as one to bring their complex and intricate essence to the fore. brodskyquartet.co.uk
Tuesday 27 September 7.30pm Tickets £25, £20, £15, Free 8 — 25s (Cavatina) (plus fees)
BRISTOL CLASSICAL PLAYERS ‘CLASSICAL MASTERPIECES’ Tom Gauterin conductor Michelle Krawiec flute Julia Hammersley harp Mendelssohn Hebrides Overture Mozart Flute and Harp Concerto in C Beethoven Symphony No 7 in A Following Mendelssohn’s turbulent seascape, Bristol Classical Players are joined by Michelle Krawiec and Julia Hammersley for Mozart’s serene Flute and Harp Concerto. The second half is devoted to the most dynamic of Beethoven’s symphonies, the irresistible Seventh. Wagner himself called it ‘the apotheosis of the dance’ and once danced to the whole work, played by Liszt on the piano. We challenge you to stay in your seats… bristolclassicalplayers.co.uk
Saturday 1 October 7.30pm Tickets £18 (£15), £14 (£10) (plus fees)
£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
AURORA ORCHESTRA ‘KREUTZER VS KREUTZER’ Starring Samuel West & Katherine Parkinson BAFTA award-winner Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd) and Samuel West (Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell) star in an extraordinary new play by the creator of Posh, Laura Wade, with music performed by a quartet of players from Aurora Orchestra. Inspired by Tolstoy’s great tale of sexual jealousy, ‘Kreutzer vs Kreutzer’ goes behind the closed door of the music room into a world of ungoverned passion. Featuring full performances of Beethoven’s Kreutzer Violin Sonata and Janácek’s String Quartet of the same name, the show explores the love triangle between three great works and asks if music really can drive a man to murder. auroraorchestra.com
Season Highlight Sunday 2 October 7pm Tickets £25, £20, £15, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
Earlybird OΩer Save £2 on full price tickets when booking by 30 June
‘EARLY STROLL SONGS’ WITH IAN MCMILLAN Martin Le Poidevin baritone Mark Willcocks guitar/lute Barnard Early Stroll Songs Rutter Shadows Dowland Songs Much-loved poet and broadcaster Ian McMillan presents a captivating evening of poetry and song. Featuring music by John Rutter, John Dowland and the premiere performance of Richard Barnard’s Early Stroll Songs, a new setting of Ian McMillan’s tweeted poems. Funny, poignant and meditative, these micropoems chart the experience of the same walk through the seasons of a whole year, giving snapshots of a modern village community. ian-mcmillan.co.uk
Tuesday 11 October 7.30pm Tickets £15, £10, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
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THE ART OF FLIGHT
EXULTATE SINGERS DREAMS OF FLIGHT David Ogden conductor Eric Whitacre Leonardo Dreams of his Flying Machine Owain Park The Wings of the Wind Maurice Ravel Trois Beaux Oiseaux du Paradis Toby Young Dancing Star (World Première) Bob Chilcott High Flight; The First Powered Flight and madrigals by Janequin, Elgar, Vaughan Williams & Stanford Bristol’s celebrated chamber choir, Exultate Singers, presents this unique contribution to 'The Art of Flight' series with a host of choral pieces from across the centuries. The eclectic programme contrasts madrigals inspired by birds and dramatic settings of words from the psalms with exciting contemporary pieces describing the soaring and excitement of aeroplanes and space flight. Some of the music is illustrated by projected images. exultatesingers.org
BRISTOL ENSEMBLE ‘THE MINIMALISTS I’ Choir of Royal Holloway Rupert Gough conductor Roger Huckle director Reich Different Trains; Clapping Music; City Life; Proverb; Know What is Above You A concert celebrating Steve Reich’s 80th birthday and his remarkable contribution to contemporary classical music. He is one of a handful of composers who can legitimately claim to have altered the direction of musical history. The minimalist works Different Trains and City Life (performed tonight with visuals) both use amplification alongside samplers and recordings of speech fragments, while Clapping Music has become one of his most famous and accessible works. bristolensemble.com chapelchoir.co.uk
Saturday 15 October 7.30pm
Wednesday 19 October 7.45pm
Tickets £25, £20, £15, £10, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
Tickets £23 (£20), £17 (£15), £12 (£10), £5 U18s (plus fees)
ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT ‘ST GEORGE’S ANNIVERSARY CONCERT’ C P E Bach Sinfonia in C J S Bach Harpsichord Concerto in D minor J C F Bach Sinfonia in D minor W F Bach Harpsichord Concerto in F minor C P E Bach Sinfonia in B minor Almost 30 years ago to the day St George’s held its very first evening concert and what better way to celebrate than with a performance by one of our oldest friends, and greatest of the world's orchestras, the fabulous OAE? For this special appearance the orchestra presents a ‘Bach to Bach’ programme of music by Baroque’s first family. Join us for our anniversary celebration and for a bit of fun; you have the chance to vote for the encore! Visit the website for voting details. oae.co.uk
Orchestral Stars
BRANDON HILL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Catherine Larsen-Maguire conductor James Willshire piano Holst The Perfect Fool: Ballet Music Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Bartók Concerto for Orchestra Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra is one of his best-known and most popular works. Written in 1943, the title of Concerto for what is essentially a symphonic work relates to the fact that each section in the orchestra is given a solo spot based on a theme derived from East European folk music. The true concerto in the programme is Rachmaninov’s ever-popular Paganini Variations. Heralded for performances of ‘spectacular musicianship and technical brilliance’ (The Scotsman), James Willshire makes his debut Pre concert talk at St George’s. at 7.10pm by Professor bhco.co.uk Amanda Bayley. Free to ticket holders
Friday 21 October 7pm
Saturday 22 October 7.45pm
Tickets £34, £28, £22, £14, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
Tickets £18, £15, £5 Students/JSA/Disabled, Free U18s (plus fees)
£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
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October
Bristol International Piano Duo Festival 2016
LUCY PARHAM & HENRY GOODMAN ‘ELÉGIE: RACHMANINOV, A HEART IN EXILE’ Lucy Parham piano Henry Goodman narrator Known internationally for her ‘composer portraits’ in words and music, pianist Lucy Parham has created a new programme that chronicles the life of Sergei Rachmaninov. Though he became an exile in 1917, Russia remained deeply rooted in his soul. His cultural identity and his longing for his homeland imbue his music, not least the many much-loved works he wrote for his own instrument, the piano. Lucy Parham is joined by renowned actor, Henry Goodman. ‘Lucy Parham’s trailblazing evening concerts in which she fuses music and words with the help of some of our most distinguished thespians, have become one of the must-see events on the musical calendar’ BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE
The 4th Bristol International Piano Duo Festival promises to be the most exciting to date, under the continuing artistic directorship of its founders Joseph Tong and Waka Hasegawa. This year we are thrilled to welcome Katia and Marielle Labeque to St George’s, a stand-out recital for which early booking is advised, whilst the return of Duo Tal & Groethuysen from Germany, who gave such a memorable performance at the inaugural Festival in 2009, guarantees to kick off this year’s feast of four-hands in sensational style. Supported by
Don’t miss
Sunday 23 October 7pm
MiniBeats Petrifying Pianos & Monstrous Makes, Sunday 30 October See p.38 for full details _
Tickets £15, £10, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
Look out also for Festival events taking place at Bristol University
BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL PIANO DUO FESTIVAL 2016
DUO TAL & GROETHUYSEN Mendelssohn Octet in E flat Op 20 Beethoven Grosse Fuge Op 133 Reger Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Beethoven Tal & Groethuysen make a welcome return to St George’s following their standout recital in the 2009 Festival. The virtuosity of the Israeli pianist Yaara Tal and her German partner Andreas Groethuysen is spellbinding and one of the highlights of this concert promises to be the dazzling piano duet arrangement of Mendelssohn’s youthful masterpiece. Tal & Groethuysen mark the Reger centenary celebrations with one of his most impressive works for two pianos alongside Beethoven’s four-hand version of his Great Fugue for string quartet.
KATIA & MARIELLE LABÈQUE PIANOS Ravel Ma Mère L'Oye; Rapsodie Espagnol Schubert Fantasie in F minor Bernstein Songs from West Side Story A ravishing programme from the world’s most acclaimed piano duo, sisters Katia and Marielle Labèque. We are thrilled to be welcoming them back to St George’s for this final concert of the 2016 Bristol International Piano Duo Festival. ‘The most celebrated of piano duos’ CLASSIC FM
labeque.com
Season Highlight
duotg.com
Thursday 27 October 7.30pm Tickets £20 (£18), £15 (£13) (plus fees)
Friday 28 October 7.30pm Tickets £30, £25, £20, £10, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
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SATIE: MEMOIRS OF A PEAR-SHAPED LIFE Anne Lovett piano Allan Corduner actor Max Hoehn director & designer We mark Erik Satie's 150th birthday with this ‘theatrecital’ (a dramatised piano recital — or play with a lot of music in it). Directed by rising star Max Hoehn, winner of the 2015 Independent Opera Director Fellowship, ‘Memoirs of a Pear-Shaped Life’ brings together the autobiographical musings of an ageing Satie with a broad selection of his piano music. From the early Gnossiennes and Gymnopedies to the more whimsical and experimental miniatures of later years, they are played here by Anne Lovett — like Satie himself, a composerpianist from Normandy. Devised and written by Meurig Bowen. Presented in association with Cheltenham Festival
SPIRITATO 'GUTS & GLORY' — H EROIC MUSIC FOR STRINGS, TRUMPETS & DRUMS Programme includes music by: Biber, Schmelzer, Vejvanovsky & Bertali Pioneering period instrument ensemble Spiritato presents music inspired by the imagery of war and peace, in an age of heroism and chivalry. Featuring works by Biber and Schmelzer, the ensemble blends the martial sound of trumpets and drums with inventive and reflective pieces for strings — a showcase of all the pomp and majesty of an Imperial Court at the height of its powers. From Fux’s vibrant depiction of the siege of Vienna, to the taverns and gun-shots of Biber’s famous Battalia. After the concert, audience members are welcome to stay to meet the players and get up-close with the instruments. spiritato.co.uk
Season Highlight Tuesday 1 November 7.30pm Tickets £15, £10, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
Wednesday 9 November 7.30pm Tickets £20, £15, £10, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY CONCERT City of Bristol Choir Bristol Youth Choir The Lochrian Ensemble Dove For an Unknown Soldier Rutter Requiem Two powerful and moving works for Remembrance Sunday performed by City of Bristol Choir with the boys of Bristol Youth Choir, renowned tenor soloist Nicholas Sharratt and The Lochrian Ensemble, conducted by David Ogden. Through settings of war poetry, Jonathan Dove’s cantata tells the story of one man’s journey through the First World War, beginning with his enthusiasm and decision to enlist; discovering the reality of war; finding death on the battlefield; and finally reflecting on the grief of those left behind. John Rutter is the patron of City of Bristol Choir and to mark the start of its 25th anniversary season, the choir performs his setting of the Requiem with its rich harmonies, poignant melodies and angelic soprano solos sung by Esther Mallett. cityofbristolchoir.org.uk
BRISTOL ENSEMBLE ‘THE MINIMALISTS II’ Choir of Royal Holloway Rupert Gough conductor Roger Huckle director Pärt Adam’s Lament; Festina Lente; Salve Regina; Symphony No 4 ‘Los Angeles’ Along with Steve Reich, Arvo Pärt is considered one of today’s leading contemporary composers and has created his own instantly recognisable style. Tonight the mystical Salve Regina is paired with Adam’s Lament, a work representing ‘humankind in its entirety and each individual person alike’ through its depiction of the ‘fallen Adam’. At the heart of the programme is the first of Pärt’s symphonies to be written in his signature ‘tintinnabuli’ style after 1976 (Symphony No 4), and the meditative miniature Festina Lente. bristolensemble.com chapelchoir.co.uk
Sunday 13 November 7.30pm
Wednesday 16 November 7.45pm
Tickets £25 (£23), £22 (£20), £18 (£16), £10 (£8), £5 U18s (plus fees)
Tickets £23 (£20), £17 (£15), £12 (£10), £5 U18s (plus fees)
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November
BRISTOL METROPOLITAN ORCHESTRA PERFORMS MUSIC INSPIRED BY SHAKESPEARE Tianyi Lu conductor
JAMES RHODES PIANO Programme includes: Beethoven Sonata No 31 in A Flat Chopin Polonaise-Fantasie in A flat Rachmaninov Selection of works One of classical music’s most fascinating stars makes a return visit to St George’s following last year’s sell-out appearance. The inimitable mix of startlingly candid confessional and dazzlingly virtuosic piano playing have made James a mustsee artist; helped along by memorable television appearances and a best-selling memoir. Hyperbole aside, this is raw musicality that stirs the emotions. jamesrhodes.tv
Season Highlight Friday 18 November 7.30pm Tickets £20, £15, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
Verdi Macbeth Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Sibelius The Tempest Nicolai The Merry Wives of Windsor Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet 2016 marks 400 years since the death of William Shakespeare. An amazing array of music has been composed to accompany films and for operas based on the bard’s plays. To mark this special year, Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra performs works ranging from Verdi’s Macbeth to Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet (featuring the famous Montagues and Capulets). Join the Orchestra under the baton of its new, exciting conductor Tianyi Lu, for an evening in homage to the greatest playwright of all time. bristolmetropolitanorchestra.com Saturday 19 November 7.30pm Tickets £15 (£14), £12 (£11), £8 (£6), £5 U16s (plus fees)
LA SERENISSIMA ‘THE ITALIAN JOB’ Adrian Chandler violin/director Peter Whelan bassoon Programme includes: Music by Vivaldi, Tartini, Torelli, Caldara, Albinoni & Corelli
Orchestral Stars
A feast of richly scored music by some of the finest composers of the Italian Baroque era featuring oboes, bassoons, trumpets, trombone, timpani, strings and continuo. Expect a lavish evening of music-making that ranges from the sublimely beautiful to the jaunty and jubilant, all served up with great style, gusto and sheer joy by one of the country’s leading Baroque orchestras. As ever, the concert is presented from the stage by the orchestra’s charismatic and virtuosic violinist leader, Adrian Chandler. Bellissimo! laserenissima.co.uk
Pre-concert Talk, 6.30pm
Wednesday 23 November 7.30pm
‘Blowing the doors off the Italian Baroque’ with Adrian Chandler. Free to ticket holders
Tickets £25, £20, £15, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
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November
The Art of Flight Bristol800 Weekender Friday 25 — Sunday 27 November
GRAHAM FITKIN GROUP ‘WING’ (World première) One of the leading composers of his generation, Graham Fitkin’s recent work has included a cello concerto for Yo Yo Ma and a commission for London’s Cultural Olympiad in 2012. Graham is also a West Country native, born in Cornwall with strong links to Bristol and its musical culture, including St George’s. His taut, propulsive music reflects a strong interest in technology and engineering, which made him a perfect choice for our special ‘Art of Flight’ commission. This new piece, Wing, to be given its premiere in the second half of this all-Fitkin bill, was partly inspired by a visit to the historic Bristol Aeroplane Company hangars at Filton. ‘I remember as a boy designing and throwing paper planes out of high windows and trying to get them to go further. And generally failing,’ Graham says. ‘I still wonder about this… Thrust and lift. Wings and flaps…’ Come and see Wing take flight for the first time. ‘Achingly romantic British pastoral updated to an edgy, utterly contemporary, urban landscape’ THE INDEPENDENT (ON FITKIN’S ‘AGNOSTIC’)
fitkin.com Supported by
Friday 25 November 7.30pm Tickets £18, £15, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
Don’t miss 'Family Flight Day', Sunday 27 November. See p.39 for full details — Part of Bristol800, visit ideasfestival.co.uk for more details
THE ART OF FLIGHT
INNOVATION 216 (World première) Lydbrook Band Lydbrook Training Band Lydney Training Band City of Bristol Training Band UWE Singers Gurt Lush Choir Ian Holmes, Robert Morgan, Kevin Ford, Steve Ellis & Sam Burns conductors Innovation 216 by Liz Lane is a massed brass band and choir extravaganza, tracing aspects of Bristol’s aeronautical history including the iconic Concorde, through reminiscences and memories drawn from past and present workers in the industry. One of the West Country’s premier brass bands join forces with training bands from around the region alongside several hundred voices to create a journey through some of Bristol’s flight history, including the iconic Concorde, in Liz Lane’s newly commissioned work, Innovation 216. lizlane.co.uk lydbrookband.co.uk
Sunday 27 November 4.30pm Tickets £5 (plus fees)
BRISTOL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ‘AN EVENING OF FILM MUSIC’ Bristol Symphony Orchestra William Goodchild conductor Roger Huckle violin Programme includes Elmer Bernstein The Magnificent Seven Maurice Jarre Doctor Zhivago Bernard Herrmann Psycho Suite John Williams Three Pieces from Schindler’s List Bristol Symphony Orchestra welcomes solo violinist and founder/leader of Bristol Ensemble, Roger Huckle, to perform John Williams’ moving Three Pieces from Schindler’s List as part of a scintillating orchestral programme featuring many classic film scores. From Elmer Bernstein’s upbeat The Magnificent Seven, via Bernard Herrmann’s intense and disturbing Psycho Suite, to the beauty and romance of Ennio Morricone’s Cinema Paradiso, this is an evening to delight the ear and experience some of cinema’s most memorable themes. bristolsymphonyorchestra.com
Thursday 1 December 7.30pm Tickets £15 (£14), £12 (£11), £8 (£6), £5 U18s (plus fees)
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December
BRISTOL CONCERT ORCHESTRA
TREVOR PINNOCK ‘70 TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION’
Stefan Hofkes conductor Nick Shipman clarinet Asher Zaccardelli viola
Trevor Pinnock harpsichord Rachel Podger violin Bojan Cicic violin Jane Rogers viola Jonathan Manson cello Peter McCarthy violone
Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture Bruch Double Concerto for Clarinet and Viola Shostakovich Symphony No 5 BCO is delighted to invite Nick Shipman and Asher Zaccardelli to perform Max Bruch’s virtuosic yet highly melodic Double Concerto for Clarinet and Viola, alongside Tchaikovsky’s tense and heartbreaking Fantasy Overture from Romeo and Juliet. Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony — subtitled ‘A Soviet Artist’s Creative Reply to Just Criticism’ — enabled an astonishing rehabilitation, in the deadly climate of Stalin’s Soviet Union in the late 1930s, after the earlier denunciation of the composer. This symphonic masterpiece brings all kinds of searing emotions to the listener.
Handel Passacaille, Gigue, Minuet from Op 5 No 4; Sonata in A for violin and continuo Bach Brandenburg Concerto No 5 in D Purcell Chaconne from Fairy Queen Bach Chromatic Fantasy & Fugue in D minor Bach Ouverture No 2 in B minor A stellar line-up of artists joins Trevor Pinnock for a special concert in celebration of the harpsichordist and conductor’s 70th birthday. It’s a dazzling programme too, with a selection of stand-out works by Handel, Purcell and J S Bach, including the immortal Brandenburg Concerto No 5 in D. trevorpinnock.com
bristolconcertorchestra.org.uk
Orchestral Stars Saturday 3 December 7.30pm
Friday 9 December 7.30pm
Tickets £15 (£13), £13 (£11), £10 (£8), £8 (£6), £1 U18s (plus fees)
Tickets £25, £20, £15, Free 8 — 25s (Cavatina) (plus fees)
£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
MITSUKO UCHIDA PIANO Mozart Sonata in C Schumann Kreisleriana; Fantasie in C It's always a pleasure to welcome Dame Mitsuko Uchida back to St George’s, a remarkable pianist who was honoured last year at the Saltzburg Mozartwoche and awarded a ‘Golden Mozart Medal’. This evening she performs a sublime programme of Mozart and Schumann, including the kaleidoscopic Kreisleriana, and Schumann's Fantasie in C which he described as 'the most passionate thing I have ever composed'. mitsukouchida.com
'Mitsuko Uchida has been enthralling audiences for decades with the sensitivity, insight and unshowy brilliance of her playing' ROYAL PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY
Season Highlight Tuesday 13 December 7.30pm Tickets £35, £28, £22, £14, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
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December
BRISTOL ENSEMBLE HANDEL’S ‘MESSIAH’
BRISTOL BACH CHOIR ‘SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS’
Choir of Royal Holloway Rupert Gough conductor Roger Huckle leader
Liberty Brass Ensemble Christopher Finch conductor Nigel Nash piano
Bristol Ensemble and the Choir of Royal Holloway bring Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah, to life in a semi-staged performance in the intimate acoustic of St George’s Bristol. Talented young soloists drawn from the choir perform the work’s arias from positions around the hall, breaking from the confines of traditional rigid staging, allowing words and music to spring into life.
For its 50th anniversary season Bristol Bach Choir invites you to share a glorious evening of festive music to warm the heart, enchant — and to raise funds for St Peter’s Hospice. Liberty Brass Ensemble once again joins Bristol Bach Choir in a programme packed full of delights: beautiful choral Christmas music, witty and entertaining readings, uplifting audience carols and the exhilarating power of a brass ensemble. Join us and be inspired by the charm, wonder and magic of Christmas.
bristolensemble.com chapelchoir.co.uk
bristolbach.org.uk
As part of its 50th anniversary programme, Bristol Bach Choir returns to St George’s on 28 January for a performance of J S Bach’s magnificent B Minor Mass. More details coming soon Wednesday 14 December 7.45pm
Saturday 17 December 7.30pm
Tickets £23 (£20), £17 (£15), £12 (£10), £5 U18s (plus fees)
Tickets £20, £15, £9, £5 Students/U25s (plus fees)
£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
REINIS ZARINS PIANO ‘MESSIAEN’S VINGT REGARDS’ Messiaen Vingt Regards sur l’enfant Jesus A truly spiritual experience awaits as the award-winning Latvian pianist Reinis Zarins performs Olivier Messiaen’s complete Vingt Regards sur l’enfant Jesus in an uninterrupted two-hour recital. This 20part suite is a meditative and atmospheric work that contemplates the birth and infancy of Jesus, perfectly placed in the run up to Christmas. reiniszarins.com 120 minutes without interval
BRISTOL ENSEMBLE ‘CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR’ City of Bristol Choir (Tues 20) Exultate Singers (Weds 21) David Ogden conductor Roger Huckle director A Christmas extravaganza performed by professional orchestra, the Bristol Ensemble, with the 100-strong voices of City of Bristol Choir (Tues 20) and the ever popular chamber choir Exultate Singers (Weds 21). A brilliantly entertaining evening of festive music including sparkling orchestral pieces, beautiful choral Christmas carols and the opportunity for audience members to join in with the singing too. David Ogden directs proceedings in charismatic style, making this an annual favourite in the season’s concert diary for many. bristolensemble.com cityofbristolchoir.org.uk exultatesingers.org
Monday 19 December 7.30pm
Tuesday 20 & Wednesday 21 December 7.30pm
Tickets £20, £15, £10, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)
Tickets £26 (£25), £23 (£22), £16 (£14), £12 (£10), £6 Students, £4 U18s (plus fees)
CLASSICAL
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CLASSICAL
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December / January
BRISTOL ENSEMBLE ‘FESTIVE FIESTA’
THE TALLIS SCHOLARS ‘METAMORPHOSIS’
City of Bristol Choir David Ogden conductor Roger Huckle director
Programme includes: H. Praetorius Magnificat IV Pärt Magnificat Tavener Our father Stravinsky Otche nash Palestrina Pater noster
A feel-good festive evening of carols and Christmas music — come and sing all your festive favourites with members of City of Bristol Choir, accompanied by the Bristol Ensemble and led in entertaining style by David Ogden. Bring the family for a wonderful evening of singing. bristolensemble.com cityofbristolchoir.org.uk
The master choir returns for this late January concert, which looks to three distinct musical traditions — those of the Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox churches. The programme, which features sumptuous works from across the ages by composers such as Pärt, Palestrina, Stravinsky and Tavener (to name a few), reveals the similarities at the sacred heart of the works but their stylistic differences too. thetallisscholars.co.uk
Thursday 22 December 7.30pm
Friday 27 January 2017 7pm
Tickets £23 (£22), £19 (£18), £16 (£14), £12 (£10), £6 Students, £4 U18s (plus fees)
Tickets £32, £26, £20, £12, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
CONTEMPORARY
BACK TO THE ROOTS
PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ
SAM LEE
Pasadena Roof Orchestra
The Radio 2 Folk Award-winning singer, songwriter and interpreter of traditional material, Sam Lee and his band, present music from his rapturously received second album, The Fade in Time. Since his Mercury-nominated debut, Ground of its Own, Lee has become the essential folk artist of our time, linking the traditional and the contemporary through a range of topical interventions that include commemorating the Great War in a concert with The Unthanks, duetting with a nightingale on Radio 4, and appearing in TV’s Peaky Blinders.
Since 1969 the Pasadena Roof Orchestra has been faithfully recreating the glories of popular music from the 1920s and 1930s. This fun-packed, humour-filled show, features timeless classics from the great American songbook — those wonderful tunes that miraculously lifted people’s spirits during the depression era. So pack up your troubles, come on get happy, and experience an evening of superlative live music, with more than a dash of wit and humour. pasadena.co.uk
‘Timeless and hypnotic’ FINANCIAL TIMES
samleesong.co.uk
Unmissable! Wednesday 28 September 7.30pm
Thursday 29 September 8pm
Tickets £25 (£23), £21 (£19) (plus fees)
Tickets £16, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
CONTEMPORARY
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September / October
RALPH MCTELL Ralph McTell celebrates 50 years as a professional musician and this quintessential English singer-songwriterguitarist is back on tour. Ralph’s shows feature beautifully-crafted narrative songs combined with dexterous, finger-style guitar playing and evocative storytelling and will of course include the Ivor Novello award-winning ‘Streets of London’. ralphmctell.co.uk
BACK TO THE ROOTS
THE TROUBADOUR 50 TH The Troubadour in Waterloo Street, Clifton, has been described as the most famous and influential folk club outside London. Running from Friday 6 October 1966 until closure in 1971, it hosted performances by John Martyn, Sandy Denny, the Incredible String Band, Bert Jansch, Al Stewart and pretty much everyone who was anyone in what turned out to be the golden age of English acoustic music. Artists already confirmed include Michael Chapman, Wizz Jones, Steve Tilston, Keith Christmas & Shelagh McDonald, Andy Leggett & friends, Ian A Anderson, Ian Hunt, Jim Moray, Heg & The Wolf Chorus and Three Cane Whale, with more to be announced.
Unmissable! Panel Discussion, 4pm Chaired by Ian Anderson, with guest speakers talking about the club and its heritage. In the Doric Room (Crypt). Tickets £5 Friday 30 September 8pm
Saturday 8 October 7.30pm
Tickets £22 (plus fees)
Tickets £20, £15, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
BACK TO THE ROOTS
HEIDI TALBOT At the age of 18 Heidi Talbot left County Kildare for New York City, singing in bars before becoming the vocalist in the legendary US/Irish group Cherish the Ladies. Now an acclaimed singer-songwriter, serial collaborator (with Eddi Reader, Idlewild, King Creosote) and solo artist with six albums to her name, Heidi makes her St George’s debut showcasing her latest, just-released new disc and a recent retrospective. Heidi on vocals and guitar is accompanied by her amazing all-star band of John McCusker, Andy Cutting, Sorren Maclean and Toby Shaer.
CLARE TEAL AND HER TRIO As much as she loves fronting her Big Band or her Hollywood Orchestra, award-winning singer and Radio 2 presenter Clare Teal still revels in performing in more intimate venues accompanied by piano, bass and drums. From swing to sublime ballads, Clare’s concerts with her Trio are renowned across the country for their fabulous arrangements interspersed with Clare’s warm and witty storytelling, guaranteeing the audience something personal and very special.
SONGS FOR NICU Southmead Hospital Charity proudly presents a special one-off concert from Dursley Male Voice Choir, one of the principal male choirs of the region. They are joined by special guests Mark Llewelyn Evans — ‘ The Baritone’ — and soprano Victoria Joyce for a celebration of popular classical and contemporary songs. The concert is being held in aid of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit based at Southmead Hospital.
clareteal.co.uk
southmeadhospitalcharity.org.uk
Thursday 13 October 7.30pm
Sunday 16 October 3pm
Tickets £22 (£20) (plus fees)
Tickets £15, £10 (plus fees)
‘Simply vocal heaven’ THE SUNDAY TIMES
heiditalbot.com
Wednesday 12 October 8pm Tickets £18, £15, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
CONTEMPORARY
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CONTEMPORARY
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LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III Plus special guest Chaim Tannenbaum Singer, songwriter, raconteur and entertainer supreme, Loudon Wainwright III has been a star of folk music for close to half a century. Emerging as one of a number of ‘new Bob Dylans’, he was described by The New York Times as ‘far and away the most candid diarist among the singersongwriters… who brought confessional poetry into popular song’. His songs have been covered by Johnny Cash, Norma Waterson, and his own son, Rufus, among many others and as an actor he’s appeared in films by Judd Apatow, Martin Scorsese and Tim Burton, and on TV in M.A.S.H and David Letterman. The special guest for tonight’s show is Loudon’s friend and collaborator for 40 years, the musician and philosophy professor Chaim Tannenbaum. ‘Lyrically compelling and emotionally empowering’ MOJO
lw3.com Presented in association with Colston Hall/Bristol Music Trust
Chaim Tannenbaum
Monday 17 October 8pm Tickets £28 (plus fees)
October
BACK TO THE ROOTS
GEORGE MONBIOT & EWAN MCLENNAN ‘THE AGE OF LONELINESS’ The celebrated columnist and political/ environmental campaigner and commentator George Monbiot joins forces with leading folk singer and musician (and Bristol resident) Ewan McLennan for a unique collaboration in words and music. The venture originated in an article about loneliness that George wrote for The Guardian which immediately went viral. He and Ewan subsequently extended the ideas in the article into a series of songs that together make up a new album, The Age of Loneliness. This very rare live performance will feature Ewan performing the songs while George talks about the stories and hinterland behind them.
TIM GARLAND Whether as a star soloist playing in the band of jazz royalty Chick Corea or as the saxophonist/composer for his own projects from small group to orchestra, Tim Garland has gradually imprinted himself in the imagination of the nation as the greatest reeds virtuoso we have. He is also an inspirational leader of what must be one of the best bands anywhere: Jason Rebello, piano; Asaf Sirkis, drums/ percussion; and Ant Law, guitar. Tonight Tim and the band (with the possibility of a surprise guest or two) perform the music from his new album, One. ‘His level of genius is rare’ CHICK COREA
timgarland.com
monbiot.com ewanmclennan.co.uk Presented in association with Bristol Festival of Ideas
Tuesday 18 October 8pm
Thursday 20 October 8pm
Tickets £18, £15, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
Tickets £18, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
CONTEMPORARY
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CONTEMPORARY
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October
BACK TO THE ROOTS
LYNCHED
JYOTSNA SRIKANTH & THE BOLLYWOOD BRASS BAND ‘CARNATIC CONNECTIONS’
Imagine the Pogues crossed with a Celtic Tiger-comedown version of the Dubliners and you’re half-way there. Last year’s St George’s debut by Lynched is already the stuff of legend: an uproarious, gloriously entertaining evening of airs, ballads, jigs, reels and erudite introductions that moved the blissed-out audience from one emotional extreme to another, from laughter to tears and back again. Since then, the quartet of Ian and Darrargh Lynch, Cormac Mac Diarmada and Radie Peat, has become the hottest act in folk. Catch them in a human-sized hall while you still can.
Strings meet brass in this new collaboration, bringing together virtuosic violin playing and funky brass and drums. The show features solo sets from both artists, instrumental versions of film songs from Bollywood and South India, plus new material created for this tour. Expect to be enchanted and surprised in turn; you won’t sit still for long… The show will be accompanied by video sequences synched to the live music.
‘The most convincing folk band to come out of Ireland in years’
bollywoodbrassband.co.uk indianviolin.eu
THE GUARDIAN (5 STARS)
Presented in association with Asian Arts Agency
lynchedmusic.com
Wednesday 26 October 8pm
Sunday 30 October 8pm
Tickets £18, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
Tickets £15, £10, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
Unmissable!
GOGO PENGUIN ‘We’re re-creating electronic music on acoustic instruments’ says GoGo Penguin’s pianist Chris Illingworth of the Manchester trio’s modus operandi on their latest album, Man Made Object. It’s a good summary, but heard live, there’s so much more, too: the shuddering sub-bass oomph of double-bassist Nick Blacka’s seismic-sounding riffs meshed with the off-kilter, broken-beat rhythms of drummer Rob Turner’s percussive attack, and Illingworth’s classical/minimalist pianistic patterns. Now signed to Blue Note Records and playing the biggest gigs going (Coachella, A Love Supreme), GoGo Penguin is about to hit an absolute peak.
‘One of the most formidable threepiece groups in the world right now’ GILLES PETERSON
gogopenguin.co.uk
Tuesday 8 November 8pm Tickets £18, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
CONTEMPORARY
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CONTEMPORARY
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November
MEGSON
MUSIC OF THE GREAT WAR
Debs and Stu Hanna are Megson, a husband and wife folk duo from Teeside whose mysterious songs were described by Mojo magazine as ‘a rich acoustic mix of miners, lovers, charlatans and whimsy’. Their 2014 album, In a Box, was tipped as one of the best folk albums of the year by The Daily Telegraph and its eagerlyawaited follow-up, ‘Good Times Will Come Again’, launched with a sold-out show at London’s King’s Place. Debs sings and plays penny whistle and accordion; Stu plays guitar, banjo and mandola. It’s lo-fi, no frills folk with proper songs about the lives of real people.
With the Royal Air Force Concert Band and Bristol Male Voice Choir
megsonmusic.co.uk
During WW1 the troops would sing at almost any opportunity — whether marching to and from the trenches, whilst in the trenches, in pubs or during the long periods of waiting between battles. The RAFA Concert Band, Bristol Male Voice Choir and other guests, perform an enjoyable and inspiring programme to mark the Centenary of The Battle of the Somme. Audience participation and flagwaving is encouraged, with time to reflect on the human cost of conflict and hope for a more peaceful world. Image supplied with kind agreement by richardharpum.com
‘The most original duo on the British folk scene’ THE GUARDIAN
Thursday 10 November 8pm
Friday 11 November 7pm
Tickets £14, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
Tickets £10 (plus fees)
£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
TUBULAR BRASS PLAY TUBULAR BELLS One of the all-time great classic albums, Tubular Bells, is performed live by Tubular Brass, a specially formed 28-piece brass band made up of some of the UK’s leading players. Plus, in the first half of the concert the ensemble presents Mary Casio, a new commission for brass band and ’70s analogue synthesisers by Hannah Peel, a young ‘next generation’ electronic composer who grew up playing in colliery brass bands. Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells stayed in the UK charts for 273 weeks, becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time. Mary Casio pays affectionate tribute to it and the context of ’70s prog concept albums, together with the influences of electronica pioneers Daphne Oram and Delia Derbyshire. Its theme is an intergalactic journey from Earth (Barnsley, Yorkshire) to the constellation of Cassiopeia.
PHRONESIS Multi-national power-trio Phronesis — described as ‘one of the most exciting bands on the planet!’ by Jazzwise mag — is the fastest and most virtuosic of all the new European jazz groups, with a blinkand-you’ve-missed-it, thinking on your feet approach that leads to no holds-barred, wickedly dangerous music. It’s also a trio of equals, with Danish bassist Jasper Hoiby and Swedish drummer Anton Eger, each as important to the overall sound as English pianist Ivo Neame. Tonight, Phronesis perform their latest album, Parallax, which was recorded at London’s Abbey Road studios in a single day. phronesismusic.com
Unmissable! Saturday 12 November 8pm
Tuesday 15 November 8pm
Tickets £20, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
Tickets £18, £15, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
CONTEMPORARY
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November
JULIA FORDHAM IN CONCERT The wonderful Julia Fordham is returning to the UK after three sell-out tours. As ever, Julia is set to delight and entrance her audience yet again with her stunning and sultry voice. She is looking forward to returning to Bristol for what promises to be an evening of her classic hits including ‘Happy Ever After’, ‘Where Does The Time Go’ and ‘Love Moves in Mysterious Ways’ alongside fan favourites and very possibly songs from her forthcoming album. juliafordham.com
BONZO DOG DOO-DAH BAND plus special guests This is a rare opportunity to experience the delight of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band in a special gala concert featuring original Bonzo members Rodney Slater, Sam Spoons, ‘Legs’ Larry Smith, Vernon Dudley Bohay-Nowell, and Bob Kerr. Also appearing on stage are the 15-piece Bonzo inspired Keen Sham Town Band brass ensemble, The Desperate Men surrealist troupe and other surprise guests yet to be announced. The result is an astonishing mini-festival crammed into what has to be the most remarkable two hours of musical mayhem to be seen or heard anywhere on the concert circuit. bonzodog.co.uk Promoted by AGMP
Thursday 24 November 8pm
Saturday 26 November 8pm
Tickets £20 (plus fees)
Tickets £20 (plus fees)
G4 ‘CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT’
BRISTOL PLAYS MUSIC CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Due to overwhelming public demand, original X Factor stars and operatic multiplatinum selling vocal quartet G4 are back, with their atmospheric ‘Christmas By Candlelight’ show. Expect to hear timeless classics such as When A Child is Born, Silent Night and All I Want For Christmas, as well as delightful medleys to evoke the Christmas spirit, all delivered up-close and personal with sumptuous harmonies in an idyllic, festive setting…
Start the festive season in song by joining children from Bristol primary schools as they celebrate Christmas with a wonderful blend of traditional carols and family favourites. bristolplaysmusic.org
G4Official.com
£75 VIP Tickets available Meet G4 before the show at 6pm; limited availability Tuesday 29 November 7.30pm Tickets £32.50 (£30.50), £27.50 (£25.50), £22.50, £17.50 (plus fees)
Wednesday 30 November 1.30pm & 7.30pm Tickets £4 (£2) (plus fees)
£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
CONTEMPORARY
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CONTEMPORARY
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HANDEL’S SOULFUL MESSIAH CELEBRATION Renewal Choir Renewal Choir joins with guest artists from Bristol and beyond to present a compendium of musical styles, beats and movement fashioned into a dynamic soul-stirring production. This magnificent production showcases the sound of contemporary gospel music and a range of African-American genres fused with music from the 18th century. Renewal Choir will be performing alongside a lineup of accomplished soloists, musicians, dancers and others culminating in a special rendition of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.
December
THE MAKING OF ‘THE HUNT’ IN AID OF BUILDING A SOUND FUTURE with Alastair Fothergill executive producer The Hunt was a series with real-life, edgeof-the-seat drama. But it wasn’t about killing. It was a landmark production about the sophisticated relationships between predators and prey, and The Hunt’s stateof-the-art technology revealed more about some of these relationships than even scientists knew. Executive Producer Alastair Fothergill talks about the filming breakthroughs, personal dramas and scientific discoveries that made The Hunt must-see viewing on BBC One. Proceeds from this event go to our Building a Sound Future appeal 75 minutes without interval buildingasoundfuture.co.uk
Friday 2 December 7pm Tickets £15 (£12) (plus fees)
Monday 5 December 8pm Tickets £15, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
‘One of the best piano/sax partnerships in the UK’ JAZZWISE
THE DARIUS BRUBECK QUARTET Brubeck plays Brubeck pere et fils, as the celebrated pianist Darius Brubeck — eldest son of his late, great father Dave Brubeck — returns to St George’s with his thrillingly accomplished, hard-swinging quartet of Dave O’Higgins on saxes, Matt Ridley on double bass and Wesley Gibbens on drums. Playing a programme of much-loved Dave Brubeck classics (‘In Your Own Sweet Way’, ‘Blue Rondo a la Turk’, ‘Unsquare Dance’, ’Take Five’) alongside his own rhythmically inventive, often South African-inspired, mainstream-modern compositions, and linking each piece with entertaining introductions and anecdotes. dariusbrubeck.com
Thursday 8 December 8pm Tickets £18, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)
Season Highlight
CONTEMPORARY
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CONTEMPORARY
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CITY VOICES BRISTOL ‘NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS’ City Voices Bristol are here again to present another annual feast of Winterthemed music and Christmas cheer, featuring music old and new with opportunities for audience participation. Come and join them and start your festive cheer celebrations off in style! Raising money for Bristol Area Stroke Foundation (registered Charity No. 287554).
December
GASWORKS CHOIR Ali Orbaum & Julia Turner conductors Gasworks Choir’s 150 voices sing delightfully-arranged songs from various musical genres — catchy pop tunes, toetapping jazz standards, seasonal refrains, folk rhapsodies, classical songs and colourful African melodies. Renowned for the warmth and dynamism of their performances, this innovative community choir creates a lush and captivating sound. gasworkschoir.co.uk
cityvoicesbristol.com
Saturday 10 December 7pm Tickets £11 (£9), £9 (£7) (plus fees)
Sunday 11 December 2.30pm & 8pm Tickets Matinee: £7 (£6), £3 U21s (plus fees), Free U12s / Evening: £9 (£7) (plus fees)
£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
‘CAROLS & CAPERS’ WITH MADDY PRIOR & THE CARNIVAL BAND A unique celebratory show of Christmas music on renaissance and modern instruments. Maddy and the Carnival Band put their inimitable stamp on familiar and not-so-familiar fare with a refreshing cavalier attitude and plenty of humour. Carols & Capers is guaranteed to be a Christmas Party to remember.
December / January
RAISE THE ROOF! Join leader David Ogden, members of City of Bristol Choir and fellow fans of musicals and films for an unashamedly indulgent day of singing blockbusting hits from stage and screen. Now in its seventh successful year, the day culminates in a grand (but very informal) showcase performed by the day’s ‘cast’, accompanied by a live band. Singing Sessions 11am — 1pm and 2pm — 4pm, including performance at 3.15pm davidogden.co.uk
Thursday 15 December 7.30pm Tickets £21.50, £18.50 (plus fees)
Saturday 21 January 2017 11am Tickets Singers: £12, £5 U18s (plus fees) 3.15pm Audience: £3 (plus fees), Free U18s
CONTEMPORARY
37 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
FAMILY EVENTS
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HALF TERM
WILD WORDS ‘GLORIOUS GREEKS!’ Michael Loader storyteller (& odysseus) Tom Veck guitar, djembe, dumbek, didgeridoo Come on an awesome adventure of myth and legend, through a modern take on an Ancient Greek classic. Outwit greedy monsters, escape the savage Cyclops, survive the sweet-singing siren sisters and overcome vengeful gods to save the day with the cleverest Greek hero of all time — Odysseus (he of Wooden Horse fame). Michael and Tom open a Pandora’s Box of storytelling, theatre, song and buffoonery, puppets, props and participation, suitable for anyone with a spirit for adventure.
October
HALF TERM
MINIBEATS ‘PETRIFYING PIANOS & MONSTROUS MAKES!’ Christopher Northam & Steven Kings pianos Laura Tanner presenter Join the MiniBeats team for some Halloween fun, featuring Monstrous Mussorgsky, Spine-Chilling Saint Saëns and Ghastly Grieg! Dressing up is definitely allowed and we will have prizes for the best costumes. Prepare to be spellbound! 10.15am For children aged 3 — 5 12pm For children aged 5 — 8 2pm Relaxed Performance especially suitable for children with special needs, and their families
Recommended age 6+ / 45 minutes without interval
Playshop, 4.30pm
Monstrous Makes
Puppet-making, storytelling and music activities. Free for ticket holders. 45 minutes
Spooky mask making throughout the day, from 9.30am
Tuesday 25 October 3.30pm
Sunday 30 October 10.15am, 12pm & 2pm (Relaxed Performance)
Tickets £6 (plus fees); Family Ticket available
Tickets £6 (plus fees); Family Ticket available
£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable
FAMILY EVENTS
THE ART OF FLIGHT
FAMILY FLIGHT DAY ‘The Art of Flight’ culminates with four hours of family fun as the hall is transformed into a veritable aerodrome. Get hands-on with installations from AtBristol, including a flight deck, wind tunnel and wind table, and make paper airplanes and ‘spinners’ to test fly. There’s music too as we welcome brilliant brass players on stage to provide a suitably flighty soundtrack to all the making and flying!
BRISTOL ENSEMBLE ‘CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL’ John Telfer narrator Kat Kleve soprano Roger Huckle director Get Christmas off to a brilliant start with music from The Snowman, an enchanting musical tale that captures the hearts of children and adults alike. With plenty of audience participation in festive favourites such as Sleigh Ride and Jingle Bells, this is a seasonal delight for all the family. bristolensemble.com
Part of The Art of Flight, Bristol800 Weekender. See p.17 for further events
Special Offer *One free child’s ticket with every adult ticket purchased
Sunday 27 November 11am — 3pm
Sunday 18 December 2pm & 4.30pm
Tickets £6 (plus fees); Family Ticket available
Tickets £15*, £5 Additional U18s (plus fees)
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Building a Sound Future
Building a Sound Future As our capital project moves into the delivery phase, the appeal continues! Please contact us for further details of how to donate, including the Apollo Club. Enormous thanks to everyone who has contributed to date:
The Denman Charitable Trust
The Nisbet Family Charitable Trust
Brian Maguire Charitable Trust
The Society of Merchant Venturers
The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust
Sir Siegmund Warburg's Voluntary Settlement
The Batchworth Trust
The Martin Smith Foundation
Supporters We would like to thank all of our Patrons, Benefactors, Gala Friends, Friends, Volunteer Stewards and the following organisations who support our artistic and education programmes.
Spielman Charitable Trust
Please contact the development team on 0117 929 4929 (ext 205) or visit buildingasoundfuture.co.uk for further details
Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation
Paragon Music Trust
The RVW Trust
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Join / Venue Hire
Join the Friends of St George’s Bristol At St George’s we are fortunate to have a wonderfully supportive network of Friends. Through their generous support the Friends of St George’s help us deliver our world-class artistic programme, provide inspirational music making opportunities for children and young people in and around Bristol, and care for our beautiful Grade II* listed building. For full details of the membership benefits available please check our website, pick up a leaflet, or call the box office on 0845 40 24 001.
Venue Hire Our grand hall, vaulted rooms and crypt bar are available to hire for weddings, parties, gala dinners, memorials, award ceremonies, meetings and conferences. St George’s offers both varied space and a beautiful setting, so whatever your needs, and whatever inspires you, get in touch to discuss your event. Our talented team will work closely with you to ensure delivery of top-class service and a truly memorable occasion. Please contact the events team on 0117 929 4929 or email events@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk for further details..
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Booking Information
Booking Information OPENING HOURS
Family ticket One child goes free in a family party of four or more.
Monday — Friday 9am — 6pm. The Box Office remains open until the end of the interval on concert days and opens one and a half hours before the concert start time for weekend shows.
Refunds Tickets are non-transferable and refunds can only be offered on events which are sold out (and where there is demand) up to 48 hours before an event. Physical tickets must be returned.
HOW TO BOOK Online — book online 24 hours a day at stgeorgesbristol.co.uk. Telephone — 0845 40 24 001. All major credit cards (except American Express), Maestro and Delta cards are accepted. In person — the Box Office is located on the right hand side of the building (from Great George Street).
BOOKING FEES Booking fees contribute towards the cost of processing card payments, posting out tickets and providing up-to-date, reliable and convenient ticketing services to our customers. Credit/debit card transaction fee £1 — charged per transaction using a credit or debit card online, over the phone or in person. Administration fee £1 — charged per transaction to all bookers and standardised across all booking methods (online, in person and by telephone). Postage fee 70p — tickets can be posted if requested; the cost covers postage and materials. Concessions Prices are indicated in brackets after the full price. These apply to those in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance or benefits, disabled people, senior citizens, under-18s and full-time students (unless otherwise stated). Proof of eligibility must be presented in order to qualify, where appropriate. Carers Free carer tickets are available for each full-paying ticket holder who requires someone to assist them with their visit. See above for concession details. CAVATINA Free tickets for 8 — 25 year olds for certain chamber concerts. Look out for the and be sure to quote CAVATINA when booking tickets. Visit cavatina.net for more details. Group offer One ticket free in every group of 10 for all events promoted by St George’s Bristol.
Latecomers and readmission Admission will be offered at the first suitable break but admission and readmission cannot be guaranteed. The management reserves the right to refuse admission to any person. Data protection When you book a ticket your details are stored on the St George’s computer database. This information will only be used to send you details of events at St George’s and at other arts organistions with your permission — Data Protection Act registration number: PZ5013390
General Information Amplification Some events at St George’s are amplified. If this causes any concern, please check with the Box Office when booking. Facilities for those with additional needs St George’s welcomes visitors with additional needs. The venue is fully accessible from Charlotte Street. Please mention your particular needs to the Box Office when booking and all assistance will be given. Limited parking is available, but must be reserved in advance. Toilet facilities are located in the bar and accessible by lift. Sound reinforcement St George’s Bristol is equipped with a T-Loop hearing system. Guide dogs Guide dogs are admitted to all parts of St George’s Bristol. Family friendly St George’s welcomes children and we programme a variety of family-friendly concerts. Parents are asked to remember that some concerts may not be suitable. Please check the individual event pages on our website for recommended age guidance. Our acoustic is extremely sensitive and sound carries so babies and young children cannot be admitted to the auditorium for ticketed events unless otherwise stated. All children must be issued with a ticket. The information given in this brochure was correct at the time of going to print. Programme subject to change.
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Seating Plan / How to find us Design Charles Watkins
Illustration Cover and Insides / Carys Tait / carys-ink.com Venue Photography Philip Vile / Mark Simmons / Martins Kikulis 'Bristol Scout' artwork (p.3,6,8,16,17) © David Bent. Registered Office Great George St, Bristol BS1 5RR Administration 0117 929 4929 Email administration@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Chief Executive Suzanne Rolt St George’s Bristol No 2053843 Registered Charity No 295178 VAT No 821968115
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By bike: Bike racks can be found at the Great George Street entrance, so why not cycle to St George’s!
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By taxi: There are numerous taxis in the area with ranks located on Park Street and Queen’s Road (outside Sainsbury’s).
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By bus: Frequent bus services 1 8 9 from Temple Meads railway station (visit firstgroup.com for details of the best bus for your journey).
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On foot: St George’s Bristol is located two minutes' walk off Park Street.
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Customers are reminded that onstreet parking is strictly controlled with the nearest car park located ten minutes away on Trenchard Street (travelbristol.org/drive).
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Seating Plan
September — December 2016 What’s on S EP T E M B ER
N OVE M B ER
Sat 3 / 7.30pm Thu 8 / 8.30pm Sun 11 / 7.30pm Sun 18 / 6pm Tue 20 / 8.30pm Tue 27 / 7.30pm Wed 28 / 7.30pm Thu 29 / 8pm Fri 30 / 8pm
Tue 1 / 7.30pm Satie ‘Memoirs of a Pear-Shaped Life’ Tue 8 / 8pm GoGo Penguin Wed 9 / 7.30pm Spiritato ‘Guts & Glory’ Thu 10 / 8pm Megson Fri 11 / 7pm Music of the Great War Sat 12 / 8pm Tubular Brass Sun 13 / 7.30pm Remembrance Sunday Concert Tue 15 / 8pm Phronesis Wed 16 / 7.45pm Bristol Ensemble ‘The Minimalists II’ Fri 18 / 7:30pm James Rhodes Sat 19 / 7:30pm Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra Wed 23 / 7:30pm La Serenissima Thu 24 / 8pm Julia Fordham in Concert Fri 25 / 7.30pm Fitkin Band ‘Wing’ Sat 26 / 8pm Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band Sun 27 / 11am Family Flight Day Sun 27 / 4.30pm The Art of Flight ‘Innovation 216’ Tue 29 / 7.30pm G4 ‘Christmas By Candlelight’ Wed 30 / 1.30pm Bristol Plays Music Christmas Concert & 7.30pm
English National Baroque Ensemble Trilogy Young Composers Academy Event New Music in the Southwest Richard Boothby (lute) Brodsky Quartet Grand Fugues Pasadena Roof Orchestra ‘Puttin’ On The Ritz’ Sam Lee Ralph McTell
O C TO B ER Sat 1 / 7.30pm Bristol Classical Players ‘Classical Masterpieces’ Sun 2 / 7pm Aurora Orchestra ‘Kreutzer vs Kreutzer’ Sat 8 / 7.30pm Bristol Troubadour Folk Club Tue 11 / 7.30pm Ian MacMillan ‘Early Stroll Songs’ Wed 12 / 8pm Heidi Talbot Thu 13 / 7.30pm Clare Teal and Her Trio Sat 15 / 7.30pm Exultate Singers ‘Dreams of Flight’ Sun 16 / 3pm Songs for NICU Mon 17 / 8pm Loudon Wainwright III Tue 18 / 8pm George Monbiot & Ewan McLennan Wed 19 / 7.45pm Bristol Ensemble ‘The Minimalists I’ Thu 20 / 8pm Tim Garland Fri 21 / 7pm Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment ‘St George’s Anniversary Concert’ Sat 22 / 7.45pm Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra Sun 23 / 7pm Lucy Parham & Henry Goodman ‘Elégie…’ Tue 25 / 3.30pm Wild Words ‘Glorious Greeks’ Wed 26 / 8pm Lynched Thu 27 / 7.30pm Duo Tal & Groethuysen Fri 28 / 7.30pm Katia & Marielle Labèque Sun 30 / 10.15am, MiniBeats 12pm & 2pm ‘Petrifying Pianos' Sun 30 / 8pm Jyotsna Srikanth & Bollywood Brass Band
Book now stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 0845 40 24 001 Great George Street (Off Park Street) Bristol BS1 5RR St George’s Bristol @stgeorgesbris
DECE M B ER Thu 1 / 7.30pm Bristol Symphony Orchestra ‘An Evening of Film Music’ Fri 2 / 7pm Handel’s Messiah Soulful Celebration Sat 3 / 7.30pm Bristol Concert Orchestra Mon 5 / 8pm The Making of ‘The Hunt’ Thu 8 / 8pm Darius Brubeck Fri 9 / 7.30pm Trevor Pinnock 70th Birthday Celebration Sat 10 / 7pm City Voices Bristol ‘Need a Little Christmas’ Sun 11 / 2.30pm Gasworks Choir & 8pm Tue 13 / 7.30pm Mitsuko Uchida Wed 14 / 7.45pm Handel’s Messiah Thu 15 / 7.30pm ‘Carols & Capers’ with Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band Sat 17 / 7.30pm Bristol Bach Choir ‘Spirit of Christmas’ Sun 18 / 2pm Children’s Christmas Carnival & 4.30pm Mon 19 / 7.30pm Reinis Zarins ‘Vingt Regards’ Tue 20 / 7.30pm Bristol Ensemble Christmas Spectacular Wed 21 / 7.30pm Bristol Ensemble Christmas Spectacular Thu 22 / 7.30pm Bristol Ensemble Festive Fiesta